The Rocky Mountain Online Communications Competition can easily accept entries on PC (Windows 95/98 or NT) and Macintosh environments at this time. If your entry operates under UNIX or a mainframe operating system,
contact one of the Online Communications Competition managers to make special arrangements.
Note: A total of 32 online entries will be accepted. Entries will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. The competition managers reserve the right to ensure that one company or group does not dominate the competition and exclude others.
Online entries are computer-based tools that provide easy access to information that might otherwise appear in print. Online communications can include any form of communication that depends on a computer for its maintenance and delivery. Therefore, online documentation, interactive help systems, online demo programs, simple text-retrieval systems, technical Web sites, or multimedia information systems can be judged in the online competition. The competition is not limited to online documents that support computer products. Entries can include online encyclopedias, road maps, foreign language instruction, medical handbooks, and more.
- HELP. Online information that has a primary purpose of providing immediate assistance to an individual while they use a product. It provides information appropriate to the task on an as-needed or as-requested basis. This category includes and is not limited to general help, procedural help, cue cards, examples, performance support, and integrated user assistance.
- DEMONSTRATIONS. Interactive online information that has a primary purpose of demonstrating or describing the main features of a product or product line with user interaction or feedback. This type of online material motivates people to buy or use a product, or informs them of the features or benefits of products. This category includes and is not limited to interactive demonstrations, guided tours, and marketing material designed for dynamic user interaction.
- TECHNICAL MARKETING. Static online information that has a primary purpose of describing or defining the main features of a product or product line. This type of online material motivates people to buy or use a product, or informs them of the features or benefits of products. This category includes and is not limited to online brochures, catalogs, and marketing materials that are designed to remain static.
- TUTORIALS/TRAINING. Online information that has a primary purpose of teaching the techniques for using the main features and capabilities of a product, or of assisting in the process of teaching. This category includes and is not limited to computer-based training applications, tutorials, online lesson books, and training aids.
- BOOKS. Online information which has a primary purpose of informing users about a topic, concept, product, or process. These documents may or may not be associated with a product. This category includes and is not limited to online books, policy manuals, newsletters, literary works, user guides, knowledge bases, and magazines.
- REFERENCE MATERIAL. Online information which has a primary purpose of defining or explaining things like structure, results, words, problems or parameters. These documents are typically published in a reference work format, similar to a dictionary or encyclopedia. This category includes and is not limited to online dictionaries, glossaries, function or object descriptions, data structure definitions, encyclopedias, and directories.
- USER SUPPORT TOOLS. Online information which has a primary purpose of assisting the user to complete a set of tasks or solve a set of problems. This category includes trouble shooting tools, wizards or wizard-like task completion tools, quick start guides, and automated support tools.
How are the entries judged?
The judging of Windows, or Macintosh entries can be approached in two ways:
- You may choose to submit your entry on 3.5" floppy disk or CD-ROM by mailing it and printed installation instructions to the competition address.
- You may bring your own machine and entry on judging day, January 13, 2001, and present your application to the judges. A schedule and other details will be provided after your entry is accepted.
The judging of UNIX and mainframe operating system entries must be handled by special arrangements. Call one of the Online Communications Competition managers for details.
What equipment will be used to judge my online entry?
The quality and speed of hardware can greatly influence users' perception of a software product. For best results, we suggest that you bring your online entry (already installed on the hard disk of your computer) and "demo" your application on judging day. This way, you will know the circumstances under which your entry was judged.
How do I enter the online competition?
For UNIX or mainframe operating system entries:
Call one of the Online Communications Competition managers to discuss logistics. Send in the entry forms and fee by the submission deadline.
For PC and Macintosh entries:
If you intend to demo your entry to the judges on January 13, 2001, send in the entry forms and fee, not the media, by the submission deadline. You will be contacted later regarding the logistics and schedule of the judging day.
For WWW entries:
If you intend to demo your entry to the judges on January 13, 2001, send in the entry forms and fee by the submission deadline. You will be contacted later regarding the logistics and schedule of the judging day.
If you do not want to demo your entry, send in the entry forms, fee, and printed installation instructions, and provide a soft copy of the entry on a 3.5" floppy disk or CD-ROM by the submission deadline. To avoid problems with incomplete or damaged media, the copy should be unused and, if at all possible, shrink-wrapped. If STC is unable to judge the entry because of media problems or difficulty with installation, we will return the entry fee, less handling costs. We must be able to install the entry in a reasonable amount of time. All non-shrink-wrapped entries will be scanned for viruses by competition volunteers.
Note: There is a reasonable chance that an entrant will be asked to bring their own equipment to the judging site. We have a limited amount of hardware available to us.
Are there any special instructions for the online entry form?
- Type or neatly print all required information on the entry form and attach a copy to your entry. Only one copy of an online entry is needed. Attach two copies of the ENTRY FORM to your check, and keep a fourth copy for your records.
- Attach a separate sheet containing the following information:
- Title of entry and category only (no entrants' names, please!)
- Audience and purpose.
- Comments or constraints.
- Tools used to develop the entry.
- Installation instructions (required if you do not present your entry in person).
Local/regional winners' entries will not be returned if they are sent to the International Online Communications Competition. Be sure to indicate on the entry form if you do not want your entry submitted to the international competition.
What if my online application is complex, or requires special equipment or a telephone line?The judging site will have a modem and phone line available. We do not expect to have a T1 connection to the Internet. For applications that are very complex or bulky, we may be able to send a team of judges to your site. Call one of the Online Communications Competition managers to make special arrangements.
